This bill amends the definition of "designated legal profession shortage area" within the Legal Education for Public Service and Rural Practice Loan Repayment Assistance Act by changing the population threshold from "fifteen thousand" to "seventy-five thousand" inhabitants for rural areas in Nebraska. This adjustment aims to better identify underserved regions that require legal representation. Additionally, the bill provides for a transfer of funds from the State Settlement Cash Fund to support the Loan Repayment Assistance Fund, ensuring that financial resources are allocated to assist legal professionals serving in these designated areas.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the State Treasurer to transfer an unspecified amount from the State Settlement Cash Fund to the Legal Education for Public Service and Rural Practice Loan Repayment Assistance Fund upon the act's effective date. The bill also repeals the original sections of the statutes being amended, streamlining the legal framework surrounding these provisions. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance legal services in rural Nebraska by adjusting funding mechanisms and definitions related to legal profession shortages.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7-203, 59-1608.04